Yamaha MT-07 price announced

The new model uses a 689cc parallel-twin engine putting out 75hp, with the same cross-plane crank philosophy as the R1 super bike. According to Yamaha this ‘enables it to develop linear torque for outstanding acceleration’.

It's £699 less than Kawasaki's ER6-N and £499 less than Suzuki’s SVF650 Gladius, it's two closest rivals. The new Yamaha also makes 3hp more than the ER6-N and 4hp more than the Gladius.

However, the MT-07 is still £225 more than Suzuki's half-faired SV650S, which uses the same engine as the Gladius.

And if you really want a budget all-rounder, it's £401 more than Honda's lower-capacity naked twin, the CB500F.

It will be available from February in red, white, black/blue, grey and dark purple.

It seems like there will be some fun budget bikes coming through soon. My Z750S cost just over 4 grand in 2005 as a pre-registered 'new' bike on interest free finance. Comments about BMWs going for less than 10 grand don't cry out budget to me whereas this really could be. Although I don't fancy downsizing to 25% less power unless the bike weighs 25% less... Is anyone else out there trying to get around on 2 wheels without breaking the bank and spending £1000 more on accessories just to make their bike louder or cooler as per the journalists on their freebie long term test bikes.

Sat on both at the show and was surprised to find the MT07 seat more comfortable than the MT09 because of the forward slope on the bigger bike. Several bikes I really like suffer from this design. What's it all about? Personally I don't like my "bits" squashed against the tank!

It's a step in the right direction &, had I not owned a Yamaha (an MT) which fell apart because I was told I was "doing too many miles" by the servicing staff (sold with 30k on it in 3 yrs?), I might have been tempted. Good for competition though.